Scientific Name Cavia porcellus Life Expectancy 4-8 Years Other Common Names N/A
Breed Appearance They have ringlets or curls that make up their
long soft coat. The curls are found all over the body, including the
underbelly. They have a short, compact body with a broad
well-rounded head. They have no fringe, the hair on their face looks
similar to that of a Rex.
This is a very difficult breed to care for. Not only is the hair
long, but it has a wave in it! All the same care problems of the
Peruvian, but now you have to be concerned that you do not hurt the
animal when you're brushing its coat! Cavy skin is very sensitive,
they do not like it if their coats are pulled in any way. The Texel was accepted as a
recognized breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.
in (1998) This breed was originally imported from England.
Breed Standard - ACBA -The Texel cavy is characterized by the ringlets or curls that make up it's long, soft coat.
-Curls are to be found all over the body, even on the belly.
-The Texel has a short, compact body, with a broad,well-rounded head.
Behavior Guinea pigs can learn complex paths to food, and can accurately remember a learned path for months. Their strongest problem solving strategy is motion. While guinea pigs
can jump small obstacles, they are poor climbers, and are not particularly agile. They startle extremely easily, and will either freeze in place for long periods or run
for cover with rapid, darting motions when they sense danger. Larger groups of startled guinea pigs will "stampede", running in haphazard directions as a means of confusing
predators. When excited, guinea pigs may repeatedly perform little hops in the air (known as "popcorning"). They are also exceedingly good swimmers.
Summary If handled correctly early in their life, guinea pigs become amenable to being picked up and carried, and seldom bite or scratch. They are timid
explorers and often hesitate to attempt an escape from their cage even when an opportunity presents itself. Still, they show considerable curiosity when allowed to walk
freely, especially in familiar and safe terrain. Guinea pigs that become familiar with their owner will whistle on the owner's approach; they will also learn to whistle
in response to the rustling of plastic bags or the opening of refrigerator doors, where their food is most commonly stored.
Guinea pigs should be kept in pairs
or, preferably groups, unless there is a specific medical condition that requires isolation. Lone guinea pigs are more likely to suffer from stress and depression.
Domesticated guinea pigs come in many breeds, which have been developed since their introduction to Europe and North America. These varieties vary in hair and color
composition. The most common varieties found in pet stores are the English shorthair (also known as the American), which have a short, smooth coat, and the Abyssinian,
whose coat is ruffled with cowlicks, or rosettes. Also popular among breeders are the Peruvian and the Sheltie (or Silkie), both straight longhair breeds, and the
Texel, a curly longhair.
Cavy Clubs and Associations dedicated to the showing and breeding of guinea pigs have been established worldwide. The American Cavy
Breeders Association, an adjunct to the American Rabbit Breeders' Association, is the governing body in the United States and Canada. The British Cavy Council governs
cavy clubs in the United Kingdom. Similar organizations exist in Australia (Australian National Cavy Council) and New Zealand (New Zealand Cavy Club). Each club publishes
its own Standard of Perfection and determines which breeds are eligible for showing.